New guy here.

So a friend of mine has said he'll give me an old '52 platform that was abandoned on some new property he owns. (Woohoo!). Haven't seen it yet, so not sure what condition, but you can't beat free, right?

Anyway, was wondering about swapping motors for something with a bit more "ooomph".

This would be my first old truck project -- will either a SBF Windsor or 390FE fit in there without too much hassle?

Tranny suggestions?

Don't have the truck yet, so while not counting my chickens before they hatch, I am trying to do some research so I can find a builder engine over the winter.

Thanks in advance!

 

Either will fit. The small block is more common and probably has a great deal more aftermarket support, but there are fine examples of both through out the pages here. Just do a search for either.
We like pics, so when you get it, show it!!

 

The Windsor will fit much, much easier than the FE, and be considerably less expensive to do, as well. OD transmissions are more readily available, too.

Sometimes free is more expensive than paying good money for something. Be sure before your 'friend' dumps a hulk on you you can't do anything with, there is a title and legal paperwork so you can title it into your name. Don't invest one cent into it until it can be legally yours.

 

I will second the notion that the 302/351W will likely be an all around better option. The small block will be cheaper, better on gas, and parts are a little more available/cheaper too.

 

I agree with ERNIE,i have a 302 with an aod in my 51 f1, love it

 

Thanks for the replies... coincidentally, I just saw this beauty last night at the last local cruise of the summer.

Looks like I'll be looking for a SBF, assuming this deal isn't too good to be true (thanks for words of caution). I'll post pix as soon as I get to see this "free" truck.

 

Actually, it's not a coincidence, it's your reticular activator. Reticular Activating System - RAS - Your Reticular Activating System And Goals 6 months ago you likely would have walked right by that truck not giving it a second glance. But now that possibly owning one is top of mind, you'll notice everyone that comes near you. Pretty cool.

 

no doubt, but i was referring more to the SBF swap. i've seen several trucks of this era at various shows/cruises, but they always seem to have the original motor.

i'm hoping to go see the truck on friday. after searching/reading a few threads here, it does seem like the windsor would be the better bet (sounds like the exhaust on the FE can be a big problem). too bad, as there are several 390s available on CL nearby.

though obviously i'm not ready to buy just yet anyway until the truck is in my possession.

stay tuned.

 

I second making sure the paperwork is first rate.

I also offer the recommendation of a 5.8/351 from 94-97 truck or van. They are all rear sumped. In 94 up all blocks were roller lifter capable & from 95 up, roller equipped. Think of it as a 1-2K stroker kit for nothing. There is no replacement for displacement. Especially when it is ready made in a stronger block.

You can purchase a 5.0 or 5.8 for the same price in most salvage yards & the 5.8 is only fractionally larger than a 5.0. At my local pull-a-part its $179 +55 core for a complete engine with accessories, $159 without. If you need, you can bring it back till you get an acceptable engine if there's a problem when you tear it down.

FE's are great. A labor of Ford love for the true enthusiast, but very expensive in this day & age. By this time most in stock form are extremely worn out & in need of very costly machine work.

Good luck with what ever you end up with & good luck with your project.

 

I've had both engines over the years....the 390 makes a lot of power, but you pay the price in size and weight. My F1 has a 351w in it. Actually it's a 5.8 out of an 89 F150 with a C6 auto trans.

If you read the forums long enough you'll find some pretty good reasons to go with a C4 if you want an auto trans.

All of that being said, I never seem to learn my lesson on engine rebuilds. I end up going through everything as if it's going to be my daily driver & I want to get 200k miles out of it. In reality, my project cars tend to not be daily drivers & only see a couple thousand miles a year....Yes....I did that with the 5.8 too. My excuse this time is that I bought the F150 from a guy who had a piston blow. He removed the engine and had all of the machine work done (valve job, bore the cylinders .020 over, crankshaft kit, gasket kit, oil pump), then lost interest in the project. I bought it for $200 & used everything I could. There are deals out there if you're patient!

Dan

 

Third vote for a 351w roller

 

what about the AOD or AODE vs. the C6 or C4?

(i'll dig around the search function, too).

thanks.

 

The C6 is a great trans, especially for a big block or for heavy duty use (towing, etc) behind a 351. The downside is it uses a lot of HP to turn it, and small blocks don't have that much to spare. (you'll lose about 60hp through the drivetrain) C4 is the better choice for a small block engine, unless you desire overdrive. Then, the AOD gets the nod. Just be very mindful of the specific set up instructions needed to make them work. The late 80's/early 90's versions are the best. AODE would require an aftermarket electronic control box. ($$$)

 

I'll never build another car/truck with a C4,C6, or AOD again after going with a 4R70W on my fairlane. Completely transforms the vehicle

 

I vote for a roller 351W. Do a stroker kit and bump it up to a 393/408. You will have more power than you know what to do with and it will be much less than rebuilding a 390 to stock specs.


You can do a 302/351 Clevor as well. Windsor block with the huge Cleveland heads. But you need custom headers.